Renault reports increase in first-half sales

Renault, France's second biggest carmaker, on Monday announced rising sales of its brands in the first half of this year on resilient demand in Middle East, African and Asian markets.

For the January-June period, the French auto manufacturer saw its sales up by 10.4 percent compared with the same period last year, after providing world markets with 1.88 million vehicles.

Over the period, the Asia-Pacific region absorbed 100,452 units, up by 50.5 percent. In China, Renault sold about 36,000 vehicles, thanks to strong performance of New Koleos launched in late 2016 and produced locally.

In Europe, the group registrations grew by 5.6 percent to 1,025 units, making it the second most sold brand in Europe, Renault said.

"We set a new record... Our sales volumes and market share increased for all our brands and in all regions. Our strategy of range renewal and geographical expansion continues to produce results," said Thierry Koskas, member of the Executive Committee and Group Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing.

For the second half of the year, "the group will continue to take full advantage in Europe of its renewed range and internationally of the momentum of Koleos in China, Kaptur, Xray and Vesta in Russia, QM6 and SM6 in South Korea, and the new SUV range in Latin America," the French car maker said in a press release.